ASO Special Election 2013 Candidates

Adam Brown - ASO President

Adam Brown is 13 years old. He is the President of KidsSpeak International, an organization focused on teaching kids about government and public service. In addition to attending middle school, Adam is a student at Los Angeles Mission College and started college at the age of eight. Adam will have 54 units by the end of this semester, and in 2014, he is hoping to transfer to Harvard University to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree and then attend law school.

Adam has volunteered in campaign activities since he was seven years old, starting with the primaries for then Senator Barack Obama. He has also volunteered as a Teaching Assistant for Junior Toastmasters International and is also a graduate of the program. Adam received a Certificate of Recognition by California Assembly member Bob Blumenfield (California's 45th Assembly District) recognizing his hard work, dedication and commitment to pursuing higher education at such a young age. His mentor is Congresswoman Karen Bass (California's 37th Congressional District). Adam has also met First Lady Michelle Obama, Senator Barbara Boxer, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Vice Presidential candidate Congressman Paul Ryan, and Congressman Brad Sherman to name a few.

Adam formed KidsSpeak, a non profit organization, so that he can encourage other kids to get involved in public service and the political process. He wants to share with other kids why youth leadership is important.

Adam enjoys baseball, reading, writing, working with KidsSpeak, and hanging out with his family, including his five year old Labradoodle, Cinnamon.

Carlos Lara - ASO President

Hi, my name is Carlos Lara. I am currently running for ASO president. I am an 18 year old Hispanic individual that grew up in a low economic environment. I have elevated myself by getting an education and hands on experience. I process a deep ambitious passion for beneficial public service. I have been a student at Los Angeles Mission College for two years now with my being major Biology. I have been involved in educational enriching activities since high school. I have graduated from Los Angeles City Council member Richard Alarcon’s program called the “Young Senators”. I also worked for Richard Alarcon as a city ambassador, where I acquired great political communications skills. I also got involved in the California Highway Patrol explorer program, where I learned to construct my impeccable discipline and personal ethical character. I recently volunteered for the Eric Garcetti’ s campaign. I met Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti in person. Eric supports my determination for being active in politics and making a difference in my underserved community. In addition, I’ve served as the ASO Parliamentarian under the current presidency of Michael Griggs. I am a cogent communicator that constantly executes my innate ability to analyze and resolve issues through my usage of my negotiation skills. Most importantly, I stand up for what is right because that is my job as a student advocate: to represent my fellow students. I believe that I have the proper skills necessary in being an effective ASO president.